Asian beaches have a very different character from the Western world. The sand is clean and the water is warm, marine life is abundant to explore, and there are plenty of opportunities for surfing, diving, and boating. Or if you have a more sedentary afternoon in mind, you’ll usually find plenty of places nearby to lounge under a thatched roof or in a recliner on the beach, while people bring you tropical drinks in glasses made from coconut shells.

With much of the coastline in the tropical regions of Asia, it’s no wonder the beaches here are ranked as some of the most amazing in the world. Whether you’re lounging on a beach on an island off the coast of Thailand, in the South China Sea, or on the banks of the Mekong, you’re bound to have plenty to do. Beaches are not just beaches in Asia. You’ll see great shopping with local artisans selling their wares, night markets, bazaars, and fabulous entertainment, along with some of the best waterfront restaurants you could wish for.

beachfront dining

After a relaxing day at the beach, you won’t have to go far to find something to eat and, in many cases, you won’t have to move at all. Many beaches have food stalls and rows of beach chairs, and people waiting to take your order. But beyond that, there’s nothing like a good sit-down restaurant overlooking the water, so shake off the sand and head out for fresh-caught seafood. The variety is amazing. You’ll find restaurants on the pier and on floating barges, restaurants on boats, and restaurants on the sand. In Kanchanaburi, Thailand, you can enjoy some fresh crab at a restaurant overlooking the Mae Kwai, with a perfect view of the historic “Bridge on the River Kwai.” For you young people born after World War II, that’s right, it wasn’t just a movie, it’s a real place. Feel free to cross it as you whistle the movie’s theme song.

Beachfront accommodations

Asia’s staggeringly pristine beaches are so alluring you won’t want to leave. So why take a hotel room in the city, when there are plenty of affordable and comfortable resorts right on the beach? There’s nothing like waking up in the morning and walking right onto the sand to sip your morning coffee while watching the ocean waves. And depending on where you go, you’ll find a variety of accommodations, ranging from a simple thatched-roof hut to a five-star hotel. Those on a budget can still enjoy their stay near the beach with an amazing array of quaint bungalows and backpacker guesthouses that will leave you with plenty of extra cash in your pocket.

But while many regions are highly developed and boast luxury accommodations, there are still plenty of pristine and undeveloped beachfront regions for those who want to live a little. Stretching between Danang and Hoi An, Vietnam’s China Beach is still largely undeveloped, and a rare and beautiful gem in this Southeast Asian paradise. Closer to Danang, you’ll find more exclusive resorts, but you’ll likely find a local spot with quaint thatched huts to spend the night. Another rare and largely unexplored beachfront area is along the Sihanoukville coast in Cambodia, where you’ll still find lodgings built in traditional architectural styles.

Respect for Local Customs

The beautiful beaches in much of Asia attract people from all over the world, and tourists (and tourist dollars) are always welcome. But your trip will be more pleasant if you understand a little about the local customs and resist imposing your own on the locals. Most local Asian cultures, for example, tend to be modest, and nude or topless public bathing is primarily a Western phenomenon. However, many mistakenly believe that it is acceptable on Asian beaches. Please respect local customs and find out in advance if it is a commonly accepted practice on any beach before you drop the top.

Some of the most stunning beaches are also close to other sites you might want to see, including Buddhist temples. Most Buddhist temples are open to the public, and the resident monks are always happy to welcome visitors who want to take a look. But avoid the temptation to walk directly from the beach to the temple in a bathing suit: custom requires that you dress modestly, in long pants (or a skirt for women) and a modest top that covers your arms.

surfing fun

Asia has become a top surfing destination for those looking for the best wave. Surfers visiting destinations like Padang Padang, Indonesia, or some of the warm waters of the Maldives, will not be disappointed. If you are a seasoned pro, the waves will be high and the excitement incredible. If you’re a beginner or even a novice, don’t be intimidated, you’ll find plenty of spots with gentler waves and trained instructors to get you started.

Beyond the beach and under the water

Asia’s beaches are so spectacular that you won’t need to go far to meet your vacation needs, but if you venture a bit further, you can also take a boat ride to get up close to marine life, or even go scuba diving or diving for a take a look at what’s under the water. Asia has some of the most spectacular dive sites, complete with places to train and rent equipment. The Coral Triangle in Malaysia, for example, offers incredible diversity and abundant colorful marine life; and the world famous Christmas Island offers breathtaking views of nature both above and below the water.

the perfect getaway

And the best thing about beaches in Asia is that no matter the time of year, you can find a warm spot. In tropical regions, it’s sunny all year long, so be sure to send a photo of you enjoying the warm waters to your friends who are busy digging up from the latest snowstorm.

At least one day at the beach is recommended when visiting Asia. Some of the more populated regions, like Hong Kong, will have more crowded beaches, but you won’t have to look far to find one that has room for you to carve out a little space for the afternoon.